After years of trying – Aviv Geffen has received official approval from the IDF and will be able to volunteer for performances at bases around the country, Ynet has learned.
In the past, the IDF refused to allow Geffen to volunteer, but now, Geffen and his manager have received the long-awaited approval of a long-term agreement with the army, and thus he will receive the approval to officially appear at IDF bases.
The singer, who did not serve in the army – he claims for medical reasons – spoke out early in his career against enlistment in the army and even encouraged evasion, and provoked storms. For example, Geffen’s former president and relative, Ezer Weizmann, was quoted as saying in 1996 that Geffen was a “symbol of evasion by the IDF.” From the IDF: “It is a bad example of youth education, even in my opinion it seems serious that prime ministers are embracing those who have become a symbol of dodging among youth.”
Since then, however, a lot of water has passed through the river. Geffen tried to correct his statements from the past and asked several times to appear officially at IDF bases – but the army did not accept him with open arms. And he even said that if Geffen wants to appear in front of soldiers – he should start with BKOM.
However, Geffen himself recently said in an interview with Yedioth Ahronoth: “I have been appearing in front of IDF soldiers for several years but cannot expand on that, at the request of the army. I also accompany mentally ill soldiers, and volunteer for them. ”
Aviv Geffen told Ynet today (Sunday): “I am very excited. It is important for me to convey messages of unity and cohesion and I greatly appreciate the IDF.” The IDF spokesman responded: Volunteer appearances and a sign of appreciation and deep appreciation for those who served in it, in the run-up to the 74th Independence Day. “The IDF, as the people’s army, sees the values of service and contribution as very important.”